7 AI improvements GTA 6 desperately needs over GTA 5

Fans expect to see some major improvements in GTA 6 over GTA 5, considering Rockstar Games tends to do that with each new release. While there are quite a few areas in the existing title that could use some enhancement in the sequel, AI is among the most important. The lack of decent AI has, arguably, held back the 2013 game, especially in terms of interactions, whether it be in story mode or the multiplayer, GTA Online.

How exactly Rockstar goes about it in its upcoming release remains to be seen until May 2026. In the meantime, let's take a look at seven AI improvements that GTA 6 desperately needs over GTA 5.

Note: This article is subjective and only reflects the writer's opinions and analysis. The entries are arranged in no particular order.

Here are 7 AI improvements that GTA 6 desperately needs over GTA 5

1) Pedestrian behavior

NPCs engaging in different activities at the beach in Vice City (Image via Rockstar Games)

The behaviour of pedestrians contributes heavily to immersion in open-world games. The more alive they feel, the easier it is for a player to relate to the virtual setting. Unfortunately, GTA 5's pedestrians leave a lot to be desired. They behave in a simplistic, repetitive, and rather predictable manner after a point.

Rockstar needs to polish the Pedestrian AI significantly in GTA 6. These NPCs should have a greatly varied (and very natural) set of reactions to the things happening directly to and around them.

2) Dynamic conversations

One of the best parts about Red Dead Redemption 2 (another Rockstar Games title) is being able to direct conversations with pedestrians. Players can respond positively or negatively, which decides the outcome of the interaction.

GTA 5's story mode doesn't have anything as such, which further makes its pedestrians feel dull. Needless to say, GTA 6 needs to go the other route in this department and perhaps use AI to make conversations with Leonida residents as dynamic as possible.

3) NPC driving

The NPC driving AI in GTA 5 has a huge problem, which is when cars go significantly out of their way to collide with players' vehicles. In fact, it often appears intentional.

Whether that is the case or not is another question in itself, but this shouldn't return in the series' next entry. Simply put, it doesn't pose a challenge when driving, but rather makes it a frustrating experience instead.

4) Enemy shooting ability

Those who have played GTA Online for even a decent amount of time must have experienced the pinpoint-accurate shooting skills of enemy NPCs. Players can be speeding away in a fast vehicle, or be at what may feel like a safe distance, but the enemies will find a way to land hits.

This, too, contributes to making the gameplay, especially the combat, frustrating rather than challenging. The enemy NPC AI in GTA 6 needs to be dialed back a bit in this regard to provide a level playing field.

5) Police spawning

A police chase in Leonida's Grassrivers (Image via Rockstar Games)

The police spawn magically within your vicinity upon attaining a Wanted Level in GTA 5. It doesn't matter if the crime is committed in the city or at a remote location in the desert; the cops will know your location.

The police AI in the series' upcoming entry shouldn't replicate this, as it gets annoying pretty quickly. The September 2022 GTA 6 leaks suggested that things might change in this area a bit, but that remains to be seen.

Check out: Grand Theft Auto 6 to change the classic Wanted Level system: Rumor explored

6) Police action

Lucia, one of two GTA 6 protagonists, in prison (Image via Rockstar Games)

The police in GTA 5 are very aggressive and trigger-happy. Slightly nudge an officer, or mildly scrape a cop car in traffic, and watch them go nuts.

The police AI in GTA 6 should be more realistic in terms of behavior. They should react according to the level of offence and maybe even test players with strategic actions instead of going out all guns blazing every time.

7) Evolving the map

Here's a look at Vice City in Grand Theft Auto 6 (Image via Rockstar Games)

GTA 5's story mode map hasn't seen any changes at all in the last decade. There have been a few updates to the online map, but none are too significant, except the Diamond Casino and Resort.

Perhaps AI could be used to keep the GTA 6 map fresh by gradually introducing changes in different localities or even interiors to simulate the passage of time.

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About the author

Suyash is an Esports and Gaming journalist at Sportskeeda who specializes in Rockstar Games' GTA franchise. Suyash uses in-depth research and knowledge of his immense experience with the game series to ensure readers have access to the most reliable information. His insightful content pieces have raked in more than 5 million views in just a little over a year's time.

Suyash holds a B.Tech degree and ventured into the world of gaming at a young age through the Prince of Persia Sands of Time trilogy. However, upon encountering GTA Vice City’s 1980s aesthetic, music, and vintage cars, he became enamored with the game, leading him to explore the rest of the franchise.

Suyash prefers solo titles to multiplayer, especially ones with a well-crafted story and character arcs. He admires journalist Jason Schreier for the respect he commands in the industry and the reliability of his news pieces. To ensure the accuracy of his own pieces, he checks multiple reputable sources and insiders.

If he were to recommend a game to a skeptic, it would be Naughty Dog’s Uncharted series. When he’s not roaming the streets of Los Santos in GTA V, you can find him playing football, watching movies, or working out.

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Edited by Niladri Roy